EL PASO, TX/WARRENSBURG, NY -- Arthur Steven Wadsworth Sr. SFC U.S. Army Retired of El Paso, Texas and Thurman, NY age 84, passed away Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019 in El Paso, Texas.

Born January 21, 1935 in Warrensburg, New York the eldest son of the late Stephen Leroy Wadsworth and the late Lulu Bessie Morehouse.

He attended schools in Warrensburg, NY: the old Odd Fellows Hall on Main St., the Stone School on School St. (now Stewart Farrar St.), and the new School on James St., he also attended school in Thurman (one room School house) where he met his future wife Ruth Glenda Rounds, and attended school at the Johnsburg Central School in North Creek, NY. He received his GED while stationed at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah in 1958 while serving in the U. S. Army.

After leaving school in January of 1951, he moved to Farnhams, Mass. to live with his father. While there, he joined the Army on March 3, 1952, attending basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Discharged March 2, 1955 at Camp Kilmer, NJ, he reenlisted in the army again on August 15, 1957. Art retired from the U.S. Army on September 1, 1974 after a total of 22 years.

Arthur received The Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal with four knots, Korean Defense Service Medal, Cold War Certificate, Certificate of Service of the Armed Forces from the President of the United States, Certificate of Retirement from The Adjutant General, Several Letters of Commendation, and Several Superior Instructor awards. Certificate of Graduation from the Seventh United States Army Noncommissioned Officers Academy. He also earned expert marksmanship; rifle, pistol, AA Artillery, Basic Missileman.

Arthur is a Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam War. He served in England, Germany, Korea, Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah and Fort Bliss, Texas. While serving in Germany and England he traveled throughout Europe to include Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, and Scotland.

After retirement from the Army he returned to New York where on April 5, 1975, Art married his classmate and childhood sweetheart, Ruth Glenda Rounds, at the Church of Christ on Aviation Road in Queensbury. He also attended Adirondack Community College in Glens Falls receiving a certificate in Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and then received his Associate Degree in Architecture in May 1975. Transferring to the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY), he received his Bachelor's Degree in January 1979. He also received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of the State of New York in March 1980. Later returning to El Paso is September of 1980 with Ruth and Ben

In 1992 Arthur, Ruth and son Ben traveled to Germany visiting most of the Posts where Arthur was previously stationed. Then traveled to what was once East Germany, on to Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and over to England. Arthur and Ruth visited England again, then to Scotland, and Wales. Arthur also has traveled through and visited all 50 United States.

Arthur is a member of The Sons of the American Revolution, Saratoga Battle chapter, a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, a Life member of the National Rifle Association, a member of the American Legion Post 87, El Paso, Texas, and life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (at Large). He also served as the representative for Warren County, on the U.S. Army Retire Counsel at Fort Drum, New York in 1979.

Arthur was also a substitute teacher in the El Paso Independent School District for 5 years. Was a 13-year volunteer for the American Red Cross at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in the Cardiology Clinic and Cardiac Rehabilitation? Was chosen the Volunteer of the year for the American Red Cross for 1996 and served as the Red Cross Youth Volunteer Coordinator on 4 occasions.

For most of his life he enjoyed keeping busy doing woodwork (making furniture and curios) for friends, family and for his church. He enjoyed attending services at Hillcrest Baptist Church and working military outreach ministry as well as being an usher.

Arthur was predeceased by his parents, a half-sister, Mary Jane Wadsworth, who passed at age six months; his sister, Christine May (Wadsworth) Dunkley; brother, William Leroy Wadsworth Sr.; half-brother, John Henry Wadsworth; half-sister, Shirley (Wadsworth) Nash; his first wife, Rita Pickens, and his daughter, Cynthia Jane (Wadsworth) Vickers; several uncles and aunts, nieces, cousins and grandchildren.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 44 years; his sons, Arthur (Denise) Wadsworth Jr., Timothy (Ginny) Wadsworth, James (Irma) Wadsworth and Benjaman (Julie) Wadsworth; stepchildren, Glenda (Kent) Duell, Maynard "Bud" (Linda) Baker Jr., Starr (Bruce) Mowery and Amber (Thomas) Grace; half-brothers, Milford David Baker Jr., George Baker, David Baker, Michael Baker; his sister, Millicent Moffitt; 13 grandchildren, 20 step-grandchildren and various great-grandchildren. Also left behind are many dear friends, especially Charlie Rohrbaugh and his family.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 4710 Hercules Ave., El Paso, Tx.

Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 12:30 p.m. at the church with Pastor Joe Dickinson, officiating.

Graveside, with military honors, will take place at Fort Bliss National Cemetery following the church services.

In lieu of flowers, donations, in loving memory of Art, may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, Faith Promise Missions. www.hillcrestbaptist.cc

Art's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to San Jose Funeral Home for assisting in his arrangements; and a genuine thank you to all family and friends for faithful prayers which were very comforting for his family while Art journeyed his final days here on earth. We have the assurance in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior and other loved ones in Heaven.